BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted a load of alleged methamphetamine at the Gateway International Bridge. CBP officers discovered the alleged narcotics, valued at approximately $141,976, hidden under the clothing of a woman attempting entry into the United States and under the clothing of her infant child.
“It is unfortunate that someone would allegedly use their child to attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into the country,” said Port Director Petra Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry. “This important seizure was due to the keen observation of our officers.”
The seizure took place on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 19-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, applied for entry into the United States with her infant child through the pedestrian lane and was referred to CBP secondary for further examination. During the examination, CBP officers discovered four packages hidden under the woman's clothing. While conducting the secondary examination, CBP officers also discovered two packages under the infant’s clothing. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 7.10 pounds of alleged methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $141,976. CBP officers escorted a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen pedestrian waiting for the female pedestrian back to secondary inspection for additional review.
CBP officers seized the narcotics, arrested both travelers, and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
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